a single incident

USAGE SUMMARY

"a single incident" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a single, isolated event or occurrence. For example, "The police were able to quickly identify the suspect due to a single incident caught on surveillance footage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sometimes a single incident will spark events.

The New York Times

First came news of a single incident.

The Guardian

But then a single incident can change things.

The New York Times - Sports

Consist of repeated actions or may even arise from a single incident if sufficiently egregious.

Stanford University

A failed council service, or indeed a single incident, can make national news.

The Guardian

The petition for refugee status rested on a single incident, which had occurred in 1992.

The New York Times

The panic of Marlboro Friday was not a reaction to a single incident.

The Guardian - Books

The law states that coercive or controlling behaviour does not relate to a single incident.

The Guardian

Since this "social fencing" approach began, not a single incident involving firearms has happened.

The Guardian

I don't think there is a single incident in which we've acted in an abusive manner.

The New York Times

The suspensions, totaling 84 games, were believed to be the most resulting from a single incident.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a single incident", ensure clarity about the scope and impact of the event. Provide enough context so the reader understands its significance without assuming further related events.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the importance of "a single incident" without sufficient evidence. Overstating its impact can lead to misinterpretations or unfounded conclusions. Ensure your assessment is proportional to the event's actual consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single incident" primarily functions as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It specifies a particular event or occurrence, emphasizing its isolated nature. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard English phrase used to describe an individual event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

23%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a single incident" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to highlight an isolated event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media, Academia, and Science. While it can carry significant weight depending on the context, avoid overstating its importance without sufficient evidence. Consider using alternative phrases like "an isolated event" or "a unique event" to fine-tune the intended meaning. Remember to provide adequate context when using this phrase to ensure clarity and avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an isolated event

Focuses on the event being detached and not part of a series.

a solitary occurrence

Emphasizes the uniqueness and infrequency of the event.

a unique event

Highlights the distinctiveness and special nature of the occurrence.

an individual case

Presents the incident as a specific example or instance.

one-off situation

Indicates that the event is not likely to be repeated.

an isolated circumstance

Highlights the specific conditions surrounding the event.

a singular episode

Suggests a notable and distinct event within a larger context.

an unprecedented situation

Implies that the incident is completely new and without prior parallel.

a one-time event

Underscores that the occurrence happened only once.

a freak happening

Suggests the incident was highly unusual and unexpected.

FAQs

How can I use "a single incident" in a sentence?

"A single incident" is used to emphasize that an event is isolated. For example, "A single incident doesn't define a person's character." or "The investigation focused on "a single incident" of fraud."

What phrases are similar to "a single incident"?

Alternatives to "a single incident" include phrases like "an isolated event", "a solitary occurrence", or "a unique event", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a single incident"?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight that an event is not part of a series or pattern and should be considered in isolation. This is useful in contexts such as reporting accidents, legal cases, or behavioral analysis.

Can "a single incident" be enough to warrant a significant response?

Yes, depending on the severity and nature of the incident. For instance, ""a single incident" of gross negligence" can lead to legal action, or ""a single incident" of violence" might warrant disciplinary measures.